You Make Me Weak (The Blackwells of Crystal Lake 1)

Violet’s mouth fell open. Literally open. “Okay. You’re going to have to explain that one to me, because right now, I feel I’m looking at a crazy person.”

How in hell was Rebecca going to make Violet understand? On what planet did any of this make sense? She fingered the edge of her glass, tracing lazy patterns as her mind replayed the events of the night before. And then, with a soft sigh, decided to do her best.

“Maybe not so much Julia Roberts. But definitely Steel Magnolias.”

“The movie?” Violet’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief, and all Rebecca could do was nod.

“The movie.”

“This is going to be good.” Violet downed her gin and tonic. “You’re driving me home, right?”

“Sure.”

“Thank God.” Violet shouted at Tiny, “Hit me up with another,” and turned back to Rebecca. “Okay. I’m listening. Can’t wait to hear how Julia Roberts and Steel Magnolias made your legs fall open.”

“That’s crude.”

Violet giggled. “But totally one hundred percent correct, right? I mean, I’m impressed how you went from watching a sad, sappy movie to banging.”

Rebecca sighed. “Violet, seriously.”

But her friend wasn’t giving up. “I’m listening.”

Rebecca glanced around, just to make sure no one was within earshot. It was a small town, after all, and people liked to talk. Once she was satisfied her privacy was protected, she began.

“After dinner—”

“Why was Hudson at dinner again?” Violet interrupted, obviously curious.

Rebecca waited a beat to answer and realized this was going to be a long-drawn-out process. “Because we decided to do the friend thing. Remember?”

“Right.” Violet blew a kiss at Tiny when he handed her another drink. “You and Hudson, just friends. Because that’s such a good idea.”

Rebecca decided to ignore the shot. “After you and Adam left, we decided to watch a movie.”

“And you thought a tearjerker was going to put you in the mood?”

“No.” Rebecca counted to three. “I wasn’t looking to get in the mood.”

“Uh-huh.” Violet didn’t look convinced. “So, Steel Magnolias.”

“Yes.”

“With Julia Roberts.”

Rebecca glared at her girlfriend. “Will you just shut up and listen?”

“Sorry.” Violet giggled. “I’m enjoying this.”

“I couldn’t tell,” Rebecca said dryly. She finished her water and wished she’d asked for something a little stronger. “Anyway. Hudson fell asleep after, like an hour or so, and I finished watching it myself. I forgot how good it was.”

Violet made a face. “Um. It’s about a girl who dies. You want to watch a really good chick flick? Try Bridget Jones’s Diary. It’s got it all. Sex. Laughs. Sex. Some bad language. Sex.”

“We’re not here to nitpick about what is or isn’t a good chick flick.” Irritated, Rebecca glared at her pal. “Steel Magnolias is so much more than just a movie about a girl who dies. It’s about life and love and death. It’s about realizing how quickly things can change. How life can change. And I…” Her voice trailed off as she tried to gather her thoughts.

“You?”

“It made me think.” Was she even making any sense?